Easy Prey Podcast

There are lots of great tools out there to help you stay safer online. But online safety requires more than just downloading a piece of software. To really stay safe, you have to be an active participant in your own protection. But you don’t have to be a tech genius to do it. These tips…

The world of online threats is ever-changing. Sophisticated phishing, AI-powered attacks, and more are making it ever harder to keep things safe. Organizations are navigating a wide variety of challenges and an equally wide variety of innovative solutions in working to address threats and be proactive in their online safety and security. Implementing a cybersecurity…

Technology is evolving so fast and is ever increasingly integrated into our world. It’s becoming less and less effective for criminals to just attack tech. So they’ve found a new way in – through human nature. Fraudsters manipulate the psychology of trust to trick us into helping them steal from us. And data is crucial…

There is lots of advice out there about how to spot online dating scams and romance scams. You’re probably familiar with a few of the red flags, such as rushing the relationship, asking you to send money through a method that’s hard to reverse, and always having an excuse for why they can’t visit in…

At some point in our life we will encounter a cyber intrusion, either through somewhere we have done business or because we are targeted as an individual. It is important to know how to prevent identity theft as well as how to respond if you’ve already been compromised.  Today’s guest is Adam Levin. As a…

Security risks are constantly changing. Projects start and end, employees leave and are hired, new tools replace old tools, and configurations get adjusted. Many companies run penetration testing (pen testing) scenarios on a regular basis. But with today’s fast-paced changes, even frequent pen testing may not be able to keep up with all the new…

Cybercriminals’ schemes are getting better by the day. By combining AI and scams, they can create and launch targeted attacks that used to take days of research and planning in a matter of minutes. And they can target even more people with even more trustworthy-sounding ploys. With AI-powered tools like voice cloning and deepfakes, the…

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital landscape, and therefore cybersecurity. Everyday scams are now good enough to fool seasoned professionals. AI cyber threats are causing huge changes to both defensive and offensive security. Today’s threats look very different than they did even a few years ago. And it’s forcing everyone to rethink what it means…

Artificial intelligence has a huge variety of uses. This means many companies are considering, or have already started, AI implementation in their business. But AI’s uses also include threats and cyberattacks. It’s important to implement AI thoughtfully and carefully to best keep your systems secure. See Safe AI Implementation with Aditya Sood for a complete…

We’re living in a world of rapidly changing technology. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is helping us create new things, advance current processes, and find new investment options. If you are an investor or an entrepreneur, exploring AI opportunities is especially valuable. See Don’t Miss Opportunities Created by AI with Howard Getson for a complete transcript…

Very few people are ready and willing to say that what we need is more regulation. But in some areas, more regulation is really needed. Especially in areas like technology and AI, regulation is way behind the technology. We need updated legislation and policy, and we need more floor debates on these topics to move…

Technology has evolved dramatically since the early days of the internet. With all the new technological developments, scamming methods are improving, too. It’s essential to be vigilant to keep yourself safe. See The Impact of AI on Scamming with Ran Levi for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Ran Levi has been…

Surveillance cameras, digital monitoring apps, and similar tools are becoming more common in schools. Students often receive devices from their schools with tracking software already installed for their own protection. But it’s important for both students and parents to know what is being monitored, how that data is collected, and what’s being done with it.…

Amazon is a huge enterprise that makes billions of dollars every year and grew 84% in 2020. Some scammers have capitalized on its success and have found ways to deceive Amazon’s customers for their own gain. Today’s guest is Shaahin Cheyene. Shaahin is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor, speaker, podcaster, writer, and filmmaker currently based in…

New business and job opportunities can be exciting. They can be especially enticing if they promise a lot of money very quickly or with little required effort or skill. But business opportunity scams are everywhere, and it’s important to verify an opportunity’s claims before joining. Knowing what questions to ask and what to look for…

We’ve all had that random fraudulent charge show up on our credit card and we wonder how did that happen.  Do I need to cancel my credit card? Do I need to get a new one?  Today we talk about credit card skimming with Scott Schober.  Scott Schober is the president and CEO of Berkeley…

We often make the assumption that if something is the biggest or the oldest, it should be trusted or it wouldn’t have grown so large. But when it comes to cryptocurrency, this may not always be true.  Today’s guest is Aaron Lammer. Aaron is the founder of Treats Media which produces original podcasts and work…

Scams are often (though not always) technology-based, and physical danger happens in the physical world. But both types of threats often begin in the same way – with someone testing your awareness and willingness to stop and think. Awareness and safety go together, online and in the real world. If you’re more aware and prepared…

Few things trigger fear and anxiety as quickly as a phone call saying one of your loved ones has been arrested. But scammers’ most effective tactic is exploiting intense emotions. Bail scams try to trigger that reaction and convince you to pay before you think. But if you understand how these scams work, know how…

If someone asked you if you want the messages you send and receive to be private, you’d probably say “yes.” Most of us want at least some degree of privacy with our messages. Some of us even choose messaging apps with disappearing messages or other guarantees of complete privacy. But in the evolving landscape of…

As we see an increase in cyberattacks, it’s more important than ever for companies to be able to identify and respond to threats. Tools like AI can provide some business automation and help deal with the volume of monitoring most companies require. But human oversight is still essential. See AI, Automation, and the Future of…

Business fraud protection isn’t just about tech tools, or even having the right fraud prevention people on your team. While those things are important, other components also make a difference. Educating your people, creating internal trust, and aligning your fraud prevention with your business goals can all help you stay ahead of scams. See How…

Internet privacy can feel overwhelming. Between breaches, data brokers, old accounts, and the complexity of social media privacy controls, even figuring out where your data is can be a challenge. If you’re concerned about privacy, learning how to disappear from the internet altogether may seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy in…

Technology has opened up incredibly opportunities. A lot of those opportunities exist because technology can connect anyone in the world with internet access. But that also poses huge risks for kids who spend a lot of time online. Predators are always finding new ways to manipulate, groom, and exploit kids. Catching online predators, parental control…

Over a million children under the age of nine have had their identities stolen in the last year alone. It’s important to know how child identity theft can happen and how to protect your child from becoming a victim of identity theft. See Identity Theft of Children with Kelli Grant for a complete transcript of…

Gifted pick-pocketers can use social engineering skills to choose their victims. Many times as we travel, we may not realize that our body language makes us an easy target.  Today’s guest is Chris Kirsch. Chris is the CRO and co-founder of Rumble. With a background in product marketing and technical mindset, he has helped formulate…

Scammers love to target anywhere money is involved. And as one of the biggest online retailers in the world, people spend a lot of money with Amazon. Using Amazon for scams can be extremely lucrative for scammers – and they don’t even have to be on Amazon to do it. By looking at how the…

Whether you’re talking to a friend, interviewing a potential employee, making a sale, or recruiting a spy, human psychology doesn’t change. The foundations of an honest conversation are the same. We can use communication techniques to inspire trust and get the information we need. Master manipulators may know how to sound good without answering your…

A lot of things about cybersecurity aren’t easy. From evaluating the value of your digital assets to setting up security that’s not too much or too little, there’s a lot to it. The most challenging part is that you have to get it right 100% of the time to keep criminals out, but the criminals…

Corporate espionage is alive and well, and not nearly as sophisticated as you might think. Competitors are hiring corporate spies to find out information and poach the best employees. In order to prevent it, you have to know how it happens. See Corporate Spying with Robert Kerbeck for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey…

Romance scams are nothing new, especially when online dating is involved. And with the popularity of cryptocurrencyover the past several years, crypto scams are starting to show up on people’s radars. But scammers are getting creative and putting the two together. Also called “pig butchering” by the scammers who do it, crypto romance scams are…

Cryptocurrency has a bit of a reputation for being high risk and high reward. We’ve all heard stories about “Bitcoin millionaires” who turned a modest investment into millions with crypto. But many tokens and crypto exchanges have imploded over the past few years, causing many people to lose their life savings. If you’re considering cryptocurrency…

Scams and cyber crime are constantly increasing. New advances in technology enable criminals to attack faster, smarter, and with ploys that look more genuine than ever. Even experts can get caught in their tricks. That’s why it’s important that we go beyond just preventing scams and cyber attacks. Prevention is part of it. But it’s…

If you own or operate a business in some capacity, you’re probably already familiar with cybersecurity. You may already have a cybersecurity response plan, know to check tech like plugins and operating systems for updates, or even be running some pentesting. But have you planned for cyber resilience? If you answered “no,” you’re not alone.…

The future of war is digital. The importance of cyber defense can’t be overstated. We need insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and innovative strategies to shape the future of protection and national security in a world of cyber warfare. See Cyber Warfare with Dr. Chase Cunningham for a complete transcript of the Easy…

It’s very easy for anyone to create a fake online profile and say or do mean things online. It’s easy for anyone to become a cyberbully. As parents, our children may face cyberbullying at some point in their lives. It’s important to know about cyberbullying prevention and how to deal with it when it happens.…

Criminals feel safe hiding behind the internet. The ability to be anonymous makes them so bold that they even hire people and train them to be excellent salespeople, with the goal of taking your money. And many times they’re operating overseas, making it much harder for law enforcement to coordinate raids and arrests. All of…

In today’s high-tech world, cybersecurity affects organizations of all sizes. From AI-powered attacks to social engineering to supply chain vulnerabilities, challenges continue to emerge. And people are increasingly vulnerable to scams and manipulation. To deal with cybersecurity and AI dangers, people need training, critical thinking, and comprehensive defense strategies. Saying informed and proactive is essential…

Cybersecurity today is more crucial than ever. Attackers and malicious actors are constantly improving and increasing their attacks, and cybersecurity and artificial intelligence make a potentially dangerous combination. No one is immune. That’s why the Spotify breach should matter to everyone, because even “everyday” accounts can expose habits, identifiers, and reused credentials that attackers can…

When we think about cybersecurity, we generally think about technology – new gadgets, fancy systems, and screens full of computer code that will keep the hackers out. The role that people play is often an afterthought. But in reality, every step of the cybersecurity process, from inventing new systems to implementing defense strategies, has people…

Seniors are prime targets for cybercrime because many of them have been preparing for retirement and have sizable savings. Their lack of familiarity with technology can set them up to be deceived or hacked. Scammers are going to elaborate lengths to hide their deception. It’s important to be aware of their schemes. Today’s guest is…

Cybersecurity is a relatively young field, but businesses are embracing its importance. However, the newness of the field, along with other factors like pending legislation, a limited understanding of the field among C-level executives, and the difficulties of translating technical topics for non-technical people cause difficulties within organizations. This struggle around cybersecurity leadership is causing…

Cyberattacks can happen to anyone. Whether you’re an individual with a single device or a corporation with a huge network, cybercriminals can find a reason to attack you. As a business, cybersecurity risk management is especially important. Because a cyberattack can have such a devastating effect on your business, it’s vital to have both a…

When people talk about scams and cybercrime, it’s usually in terms of numbers. Statistics declare how many people have gotten caught in a scam, or how much money has been stolen by cybercriminals this year. But what rarely gets discussed is the less measurable costs. Big incidents can feel abstract until you zoom in on…

Data breaches happen. In fact, data breaches happen more often than you might expect. And once your information is exposed, it can be sold and resold to anyone who might want to access your accounts or steal your identity. Data breach protection is essential to proactively secure your private information. See Protect Your Social Security…

Has your information ever been compromised in a data breach? There are security measures you can implement to lessen the effects. Troy Hunt shares about the frequency and increasing size of data breaches of personal information. Don’t miss the end where we share lots of strategies you can put in place today to better protect your information.

Our personal information is a valuable commodity. Data brokers depend on this – their whole business is collecting, aggregating, and selling your information. Even more unnerving, you’ve probably never heard of the companies that have your data. Right now, data privacy is crucial. It’s important to explore ways to protect your privacy and keep your…

Generally scammers want money, no matter the scam. But for the victims of dating scams, they don’t just lose money. Along with their life savings, they lose what they thought was a good relationship and a trustworthy partner – as well as their confidence, ability to trust themselves and others, and sense of safety. When…

We’re currently in “cuffing season.”. This means scammers are keeping their eyes on dating apps. Dating sites and apps make prime targets, not just because there are a lot of people on them, but because these sites can have all kinds of data available for malicious people. If you’re looking for a partner online, you…

Catfishing is when a person creates a fake identity often with corresponding social media accounts, phone numbers, photos, and addresses targeting a specific victim for abuse or fraud. These catfishers are organized, patient, and have a playbook that they follow to gain the trust of their target over the course of weeks, months, or even…

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks can have huge impacts on companies and even average consumers. Though the actual way these attacks function is fairly technologically advanced, these attacks aren’t always done by smart, sophisticated hackers cracking systems and breaking into networks. In fact, with a rented botnet and a little bit of social engineering,…

Many assume that dating scams only take place online. A scenario where they create an emotional connection over a period of time and eventually start asking for money. Today, we talk with someone who was deceived in person and how to see the warning signs in real life. Today’s guest is Abby Ellin. Abby has…

A “deep fake” typically refers to a video that has been edited to replace the person in the original video with someone else, commonly a public figure in a way that makes the video look entirely authentic. These are time consuming to make but can be very convincing. Today’s guest is Lonnie Waugh. Lonnie is…

Phishing techniques are changing all the time. A phishing attack might not even be trying to get more money – the scammer may use their illicit access to impersonate you and scam someone else. Learning how to detect phishing is the first step in defending yourself. See Attack Techniques Scammers are Using with Joel Hollenbeck…

Technology is everywhere in our world. When many schools require it for class and homework, even young children can’t escape it. But what is a parent to do? Parental control software companies claim they’re the answer, but are they right? Are there other things parents can do? Or are the dangers just being overstated? If…

A lot of advice for staying safe online sounds great on paper, but is hard to follow in practice. Between password managers, privacy settings, and data brokers, keeping yourself safe can start to feel like a full-time job. A lot of people get stuck in the gap between good security habits and what’s actually realistic.…

We all use technology at some point in our lives. Sometimes that technology is as simple as a web browser, search engine, or messaging app. But we often aren’t aware of what that technology is doing behind the scenes or what kind of data it’s collecting about us. It’s important to know how to protect…

The landscape of both technology and cyber threats is constantly changing. That means that cybersecurity and business concerns are constantly changing as well. It’s never been more essential to build a strong security culture in your organization and to stay ahead of threats. The more people and systems involved in your company, the more complex…

Cybercriminals these days are doing their homework. They study how companies, organizations, and individuals create emails, and they design theirs to match. It takes time to verify if an email is authentic, and many employees just want to do the task and get it off their plate. Email security isn’t new or flashy or the…

Embezzlement is on the rise, but only a  few incidents ever get reported to law enforcement. Why do people steal and how are they doing it? What can business owners do to help prevent these crimes and what should they do if they suspect them? Our guest today is Kelly Paxton. She has more than…

Many people seek to learn self-defense techniques only after they’ve encountered a violent situation. But as the saying goes, the best way to win a fight is to never get into a fight in the first place. Self-defense starts before you ever encounter a violent situation. See When Violence is the Answer with Tim Larkin…

Ethical hacking may seem like an oxymoron, but having someone that you trust do a penetration test on your network may shock you. Our guest today has been helping people for 20 years to know when they’re vulnerable, and he shares his stories and insights to help you keep your information secure. Today’s guest is…

When we think about online privacy, we often think about things like our phones tracking our location or the digital footprint we leave behind when we browse the web. We’re thinking about the things that happen on our phones, computers, and tablets. We’re not thinking about cars. But all cars are collecting some data about…

Have you ever wondered what strange things a digital forensic investigator has to dig through? Listen to this episode to find out.  Our guest for this episode is Jake Moore. Jake Moore is a cybersecurity specialist for ESET, Europe’s number one internet security and anti-virus company. Jake previously worked in the police force for 14…

Imagine this: You’re coming home late one night, exhausted and ready to fall into bed, and as you try to open your front door, the key breaks. You’re locked out. What do you do? If you’re like most people, you get out your phone, search for a 24-hour locksmith, choose one with a local address…

Behind every scam and fraud statistic, there’s a human story. Teams of fraud fighters are working to transform the way institutions respond to fraud and protect victims. Prevention and catching the criminals are important, but fighting fraud is also about helping victims recover and protecting them from further threats. See Post-Scam Guidebook with Freddy Massimi…

Fraud and scams are everywhere, and it’s essential to remain alert. Scammers and criminals are exploiting new technology to trick us and steal our money, but the faster we can do things with our money, the more opportunities there are for fraud. There are tools out there that can help us as consumers keep our…

In the past, thieves used to rob banks, break into houses, and steal physical money. But in a largely digital world, it’s much easier for them to sit behind a keyboard and hack their way into your accounts or trick you into handing over your money. But there are financial fraud protection tools out there.…

Many of us have heard horror stories about the consequences of identity theft and various types of fraud. You may have even experienced it or watched a loved one go through it. And we’ve also heard about how criminals are exploiting new technologies. But even though the technology is fancier, most of the ways they…

You can’t always prevent financial fraud in your business before it happens. But you can catch it early and limit the damage it can do. Easy-to-use forensic accounting processes should be part of your business owner toolkit. See Forensic Accounting with Leah Wietholter for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Leah Wietholter…

Being a victim of fraud is, unfortunately, common. And it’s often underreported because victims are ashamed and embarrassed about being victims. Protecting yourself is essential, but so is understanding what steps to take if and when fraud happens to you. These fraud prevention tips can help you be prepared in advance and also know what…

The fight against scams and fraud is constantly evolving along with criminals’ tactics. As criminals use more manipulation and tricky tactics, an emphasis on fraud psychology, education, and proactive measures is an important approach. Efforts driven by a community of passionate fraud fighters will help protect people and organizations in our complex digital world. See…

Why do some people get caught in scams that other people spot easily? How do smart, aware people fall for fraud? And why do scammers seem to be so good at convincing us to do things, even if we know they’re a bad idea? We brought in an expert to answer these questions. There are…

Many people assume that scammers target older people. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Scammers go after everybody, regardless of your age, your education, how much money you have to lose, or anything else. But fraud watch organizations have a difficult time determining exactly how much scams are targeting any demographics. They can’t…

As people age, their health declines and they may start having struggles with their mental faculties. Many families consider options like guardianship or conservatorship. But the court system used to appoint guardians is full of risks – including unscrupulous people out to steal your aging relative’s money. If you are aging or have an aging…

Cyber attackers are well-organized, well-funded, and right now, ahead of defenders. The threat landscape keeps changing, especially with AI influencing both cyberattacks and cybersecurity. But we can all take steps towards better hacker computer security. See Hackers are Winning with Evan Powell for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Evan Powell is…

The world of technology is ever-changing. It can be hard for individuals, and even businesses, to keep up with new advancements and the benefits and risks they bring. But cybercriminals are determined to stay on top of everything. They continuously find new ways to use our technology against us, or even to exploit us directly.…

Gifted hackers can access data from a government website, a hospital medical system, or even a car. Most are not aware when their personal information is stolen, sold, and used until it is too late.  Today’s guest is Alissa Knight. Alissa is a recovering hacker of 20 years, a cyber security influencer, content creator, and…

Have you ever wondered how hackers find vulnerabilities and how companies can find and fix their own? You will find out today! On average 30,000 new websites are hacked every day. Our guest for this episode is James Kettle. James is the Director of Research at PortSwigger Web Security where he explores new ways to…

One in every three children has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder like anxiety or ADHD since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now more than ever, it’s essential to learn how to reduce stress and minimize anxiety. See 7 Ways to Reduce Anxiety with Dr. Michele Borba for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey…

Artificial intelligence is transforming cybercrime. Scams and fraud are evolving faster than our defenses. They’re becoming more personal, harder to detect, and more believable than ever. Fraud protection solutions are essential for both individuals and organizations to protect themselves. But it doesn’t require fancy, expensive, high-tech systems to protect yourself. In fact, despite how complex…

In this day and age, we are experiencing knowledge overload. There is information everywhere on the internet and social media. Add in the changes and hoaxes we are seeing pop up with the Coronavirus and it is harder than ever to decipher the truth. How do we research and check out this overload of information?…

You may think that if you’re not fabulously wealthy, you don’t need to worry about being taken hostage. But money isn’t the only reason you might find yourself in a hostage situation. It’s important to know how and why targets are selected. See Hostage Taking with Rachel Briggs, OBE for a complete transcript of the…

Very few people want to share their stories of being targeted by a scam. Losing money to a scam can make us feel gullible, ashamed, and afraid. We worry that other people will think we’re at fault for falling for an obvious scam. But one romance scam survivor realized the opposite. Sharing her experience with…

Technology can do a lot of different things. For most of us, it’s deeply integrated into our lives. And often it makes our lives better. But it can also be misused and cause a lot of harm. If you’re in a situation where you need to protect yourself from someone trying to harm or control…

Technology is evolving so rapidly that it’s hard for us to comprehend its impact. The advent of AI has been described as a one-in-a-lifetime occurrence, and it’s already revolutionizing the ways we live and work. It has the potential to do even more. But we’re not necessarily heading towards a techno-dystopian future. The unique relationship…

AI and hacking are a match made in heaven – or in hell, depending on which side of the cybersecurity equation you’re working on. It’s changing the rules, revealing new vulnerabilities, sometimes behaving unpredictably, and exposing our tendency to trust technology too much. Cybersecurity is entering into uncharted territory. And it’s essential we don’t let…

Moving your money around has never been easier. With online banking, mobile banking, and the proliferation of financial apps, you can move your money almost anywhere, often instantly. This technology is extremely convenient for us, the consumers. But unfortunately, it’s also extremely convenient for scammers. They often rely on small details to sound believable, like…

We all know the old phrase “seeing is believing.” We’re hard-wired to believe the things that we can see with our own eyes. But with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the line is starting to get blurry. AI can write comprehensible text, create images, make deep fakes, and fabricate fake videos that look real.…

The modern world comes with many technological and digital conveniences. But unfortunately, many of them come with a hidden cost: Your personal information. It can feel harmless in the moment to give out simple pieces of information, but companies can use that to build a detailed profile that they can then exploit – or sell.…

If we want to see crypto succeed in 2024 and beyond, there needs to be more regulation.

Artificial intelligence technology can do a lot of really fascinating and useful things. But unfortunately, criminals are discovering that they can use AI to quickly and easily create targeted attacks on both individuals and businesses. And these aren’t always full-scale assaults, either. More often, they’re steady “micro-attacks” that slip under the radar. This means that…

We all know how it works: If you need to prove your identity for some reason, you have to provide an official physical document like a passport, driver’s license, or state ID. But that may soon be a thing of the past. Technology that allows digital identity verification will make it easier to prove who…

Most of us are aware that there are tactics that people can use to influence your opinions and actions. In both legitimate marketing and scams, for example, urgency can convince you to do something before you think it through. But urgency isn’t the only strategy. Social engineering is full of tools and tactics that influence…

Recovering from identity fraud, identity theft, and other identity-related crimes can be daunting. It’s a long, complicated, stressful process, and it takes a toll on your life. And this toll is not just financial and emotional. Depending on the crime, it can affect your life in different ways. And access to your accounts can let…

If you think about it, the technology we have around us today is pretty incredible. From generative AI tools like ChatGPT to DNA testing, so many technological abilities that are normal now would have been something out of a sci-fi film or a James Bond movie thirty years ago. But just like in science fiction,…

It’s easy to stereotype the kind of people you think would fall for a scam. But scammers know what they’re doing – and what they’re doing is using basic human emotions and desires against us. The principles of psychology behind scams means that all of us are vulnerable. When scammers are exploiting our own brains,…

Like malicious magicians, scammers use distractions and illusions to keep you from figuring out their tricks. They know if they can’t keep up the facade, you’ll realize it’s fishy. Many of the common techniques of scams – like urgency and rushing your decision – are really ways to hijack your decision-making brain and keep you…

Most of us think we’re pretty rational people. But psychology and behavioral economics show that’s not always the case. Our intuition can easily mislead us, and factors like trust, authority, stress, empathy, and even self-image can affect our decisions. When we know how our minds work, it becomes more obvious how scams use psychology to…

Scams, hackers, and other cybercriminals are everywhere. They’re creative and clever, and they’re doing their best to infiltrate your world and get whatever they can out of you. Over the past several decades, their attacks have increased, and there’s no end in sight. But you can take steps to protect yourself. If you want better…

Scams are getting more sophisticated. Hackers don’t just hack computers anymore – they use social engineering techniques to hack you and get you to do what they want. But by understanding how social engineering works, you can reduce your chances of falling for it. See 6 Basic But Effective Online Security Tips with Jordan Harbinger…

Children are exploited, trafficked, and go missing every day. Some factors, such as misinformation among the general public, can make it even harder to fight child trafficking and exploitation. It takes investigators, prosecutors, and private sector technology working together to help these children. See Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking with Kevin Metcalf for a complete…

Getting caught in a scam can see you losing money – potentially a lot of money. And you want to do everything in your power to get it back. Especially when the scam involves cryptocurrency and its complex technology, we all hope to find some fix that will recoup our losses. Scammers know this. And…

Everyone is vulnerable to scams and fraud online, especially if you’re distracted or in a hurry. That includes scam and security experts, too. We’re all at risk. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to identify a scammer online. Building these skills with critical thinking, self-awareness, and habits of healthy skepticism can help protect…

If someone asks you for your opinion on something, you can probably give an answer without much thought. But if you thought about it, would your opinion change? For most of us, the answer is yes. At the very least, we’d end up with a better idea of why we have that opinion. Understanding the…

Technology keeps evolving. More and more, we need our phones just to participate in the world. And mobile device security and privacy keep getting murkier, especially when it comes to business. Employers want to protect company data from whatever their employees might be doing on their devices outside of work. And employees don’t want their…

Many of us are generous, caring people. And donating to charity is a great way to make an impact, both in our local communities and around the world. But some charitable organizations use pressure tactics and misleading language. They can trick you into donating or make you think your money is going towards one thing…

Scammers target everyone. Young or old, rich or poor, tech-savvy or a fan of flip phones, scammers are happy to take money from anyone. But scammers especially love scamming the elderly. Older adults tend to be more vulnerable to certain types of scams – and not necessarily for the reasons you think. See Financial Vulnerability…

The internet has evolved a lot since the early days. And questions of internet freedom and Big Tech monopolies go way over most of our heads as average consumers. But activists are still thinking about them, and working towards ways we can create conscious change and reclaim the internet. See Reclaiming the Internet with Cory…

It’s the time of year when people start thinking about New Year resolutions and making changes in their lives. Some of us even put off starting a change we want to make so it can coincide with the new year. But you’ve probably also heard the statistics about how most resolutions fail after just a…

With our culture’s emphasis on appearance and health, it’s tempting to try anything that promises weight loss, improved health, or rapid results. But health misinformation and appealing claims can trick us into falling for scams or trying tactics that hurt our health instead of improve it. Conventional healthcare doesn’t always have the answers. But it’s…

Cybersecurity isn’t just for cybersecurity professionals or people who understand code. Employees at any level can let malicious actors into a company network. Human factor cybersecurity is an approach to help every employee keep your organization secure. See 4 Levels of Human Factor Security with Roy Zur for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey…

Today’s security threats aren’t just clever hackers and tech-savvy scammers. Social engineering uses the art of “human hacking” to turn our own psychology against us. By establishing trust and building relationships that feel genuine, they can make you more susceptible to their tactics without realizing you’re being manipulated. And tools like social media make their…

It’s easy to assume that all scammers are evil and heartless. After all, they’re tricking you out of your money. But in reality, the person on the phone or sending you emails may not want to scam you any more than you want to be scammed. Many scam masterminds are using human trafficking into scam…

With the frequency of data breaches and the ever-increasing sophistication of AI deepfake technology, it’s becoming easier than ever to pretend to be someone else online. That makes the question of identification vs authentication increasingly more crucial. Though many people think of them as the same thing, they are related but different concepts. And the…

So much of our communication these days is digital. And with text-based mediums like texting, email, social media, and online chats, we miss out on a lot of cues, like tone and facial expression. This can make it a lot harder for us to identify deception and spot liars and fraudsters. Knowing what signs to…

Investing can be a path to wealth or a way to lose money. It all depends on if you can tell an investment scam from a legitimate opportunity. But how can you separate a trustworthy investment from a scam? Justin Donald has some tips for that. See Get Rich Quick Schemes vs. Investments with Justin…

So much of our lives are online these days. This has many benefits, but it also opens us up to risks. One of those risks is cyberbullying. The anonymity of being online provides many opportunities for it, and it can sometimes be difficult to spot the signs of cyberbullying. And when it comes to cyberbullying,…

It’s not just identity theft anymore. Criminals have expanded to a whole range of identity crimes. And it’s extremely easy to unintentionally give your private information to a scammer. Even something as simple as calling tech support could put your information in a criminal’s hands. It’s essential to be vigilant about your data. See Identity…

Fraudsters are always evolving, and with AI tools, they can move faster than ever. Deepfakes and other AI tools allow manipulation in real time. Fake IDs that use to take weeks to make now take minutes. When identity is the core of your safety online, that puts you at risk. Identity fraud protection, detection, and…

What if hackers didn’t need to know a lot about technology and leverage system vulnerabilities to get where they wanted to go? It’s a reality we’re starting to see. Criminals don’t need to break in if they can get your credentials and just log in. Identity is becoming a weapon in cybercrime. And that means…

Most of us think of identity theft as something that hackers or anonymous cybercriminals do. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the perpetrators aren’t faceless criminals behind a screen. Identity theft by a family member happens more than we think. And victims not only have to deal with the consequences of identity theft, but…

Online quizzes are entertaining. Links in emails, texts, and social media messages are convenient. But both can put you at risk for identity theft – which can be costly and take months to recover from. Putting some identity theft protection measures in place can help you limit the damage. See more episodes See Protecting Your…

Identity theft comes in many forms. Children and adults can be victims of identity theft.  Each year there are over 9 million identity victims.  1 million of these victims are minor children. The worst part is that we often don’t notice a problem until we need to buy a car, house, or get a college…

Synthetic identity fraud takes pieces of information from real people and manipulates them so a criminal can pretend to be that person. It can be very effective if there aren’t methods to spot it. But even though there are scammer gangs constantly coming up with creative ways to abuse documentation and commit this kind of…

Almost every business relies on some kind of software, whether it’s for scheduling, payments, customer information, or something else. And for individuals, we do our banking, shopping, socializing, and even work and school through and with software tools. But that can put us at risk. To improve our digital security, we need to know where…

The word today is highly digital and full of cyber risks. Cybersecurity isn’t just for large organizations anymore – it’s for everybody. It’s essential to know how to protect your sensitive data, have backs to restore from, and regularly pentesting to find vulnerabilities. But incident response is also part of your cybersecurity toolbox. And sometimes,…

Most cybersecurity focuses on laptops, servers, data breaches, personal protection, and high-tech topics like machine learning and 5G. But a lot of critical infrastructure, like power plants, hospital systems, and industrial equipment, is running on old tech. When modern cyber threats collide with this old technology, it leaves critical infrastructure vulnerable. Industrial cybersecurity operates to…

When Brett Johnson was a cybercriminal, he was known as the “original internet Godfather.” He started one of the first organized cybercrime groups, ran a cybercriminal empire, was placed on the United States Most Wanted List, and created modern financial cybercrime as we know it. But that’s not the end of the story. See The…

Scams are everywhere, targeting all kinds of people with all kinds of phony stories. They will go after anyone who has any money. Anyone can get caught in a scam, no matter your age, gender, intelligence, education, or anything else. One scam tracker wants to explain to everyone how scams work and provide tips to…

With the cost of surveillance and mass information gathering becoming cheaper and easier, laws are struggling to keep pace. Who is fighting for transparency and working to protect your digital rights? Our guest today is Danny O’Brien. Danny has been an activist for online free speech and privacy for over 20 years. He co-founded the Open Rights…

For many of us, insurance seems inscrutable and unnecessarily complicated. But insurance fraud is the second most costly white-collar crime in the United States, and the victims are all of us. It’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself. But the good news is that it’s not as difficult as you might…

You don’t have to have your name or face attached to your online activity. That illusion of anonymity sometimes makes people feel comfortable posting lies, false statements, and private information. These posts, known as internet defamation, can impact the life and livelihood of both individuals and businesses. But you’re not at the mercy of anyone…

As our kids are more and more online, it becomes easier and easier for them to encounter online predators, cyberbullying, pornographic and violent content, and other dangers. Internet safety for kids is essential. As parents, we need to educate and empower our children to be safe on their devices. See Keeping Children Safe Online with…

Technology makes many crimes easier to commit, and opens up new avenues to commit crimes. But it can also be used to combat crime and find the perpetrators. Though the internet makes it easier for criminals to exploit children and share child sexual abuse material, it also enables better tracing and collaboration required for law…

If you invest money anywhere, you hopefully know that investing comes with inherent risk. But not every investing loss happens because you made a bad decision or something happened in the market. Sometimes, you lose money because you made an investment you didn’t understand, you were pushed to invest in something that wasn’t a good…

In a world of cybersecurity concerns and online privacy issues, anonymous web surfing seems like an attractive option. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are often touted as the one-stop solution for all your digital privacy and anonymity needs. But with many things in technology, it’s not that simple. VPNs are good for some things, but they’re…

The idea of privacy has evolved. Even from the early days of the internet to today’s complex global data ecosystems, privacy concerns have changed. The rise of AI and biometric data increase those concerns exponentially. Is it even possible to have privacy anymore? Let’s take a look at the current state of digital privacy and…

When the internet first started, nobody asked, “Is the internet safe?” Trust was just assumed. But today, how can you know what to trust on the internet? Steve Gibson has participated in the PC industry since it began, and he has some thoughts. See Online Security: Just Hope for the Best with Steve Gibson for…

Most of us are comfortable sharing data in a place we believe is safe and secure. But not everyone considers where health data goes after it’s collected. And though most medical information is protected by strict data security regulations (such as HIPAA in the United States), some health information is considered “personal data” and has…

Getting a message from a recruiter when you’re looking for work seems like a good thing. But what if that recruiter isn’t real? Job opportunity scams are more sophisticated than ever. If you’re looking for work, you’re a prime target for fake recruiters, fake job listings, fake employment offers, and more. And it’s not just…

Job scams have always existed. People have impersonated companies, posted fake jobs, and sent fake job offers for as long as jobs have been around. But as protecting your identity has become more important, job scams have become more elaborate. In the last 3-5 years, we’ve seen a major increase in employment-related scams. As identity…

Keeping children safe online is a concern for every parent. Children can have a technical skill that is far more advanced than their cognitive development and it is not easy to know how and what boundaries to set.  Today’s guest is Susan McLean. Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and…

If you’re interested in cryptocurrency, do research before you invest! Talk to people you know and trust for advice.

Scammers have learned to use systems like shipping, rental cars, and rental homes against us. And they’re really good at staying under the radar. They also know a lot of psychological tricks to manipulate us and use our own brains to get us caught in their traps. In order to avoid scammers and stay safe,…

Scammers, fraudsters, and manipulators of all kinds are out there trying to take advantage of you. Often, they are incredibly skilled at it. Even the smartest and most aware person can get caught in a scam. But there are stills we can learn to help. Learning to read body language and understand human behavior can…

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) isn’t as fancy or complicated as it sounds. But it does reveal a surprising amount of information most of us would rather keep private. Whether you’re looking to use OSINT research techniques to find information about something or to figure out how to secure your own information against prying eyes, understanding how…

The secret to good espionage isn’t the fancy gadgets or epic heroics you might see in a James Bond movie. Instead, it’s understanding people’s motivations, using empathy, gaining trust, and applying the right tactics to persuade or influence them. Learning these secrets can help you understand human interaction better. See The Art of Espionage with…

In today’s internet age we are meeting more and more people online. How do we use this incredible resource wisely and keep our families safe?

Fifty years ago, it wasn’t very common for employees to change jobs. Once they were hired, they tended to stay with the same company for their entire working career. But that’s not the case anymore. Employees are changing jobs much more regularly these days. When a new employee joins, they need to be able to…

Nobody thinks it could happen to their family. But assuming it couldn’t happen to you is the worst mistake you can make. We all have blind spots when it comes out our loved ones being in danger because we don’t want to believe it could happen. But all children are affected by technology, and even…

With advances in AI and metaverse technology, we are facing decisions about how to interact with and embrace technology. Whether you’re the first to experiment with a new feature or avoid upgrading to new tech as long as possible, we are all going to have to confront these emerging technologies and how they fit into…

With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, it is important to make sure that the money we give gets to the causes we are passionate about. In the midst of the season of giving, scammers are working to get as much of your charity as they can. Today’s guests are Michael Thatcher and Zachary Weinsteiger.…

People end up in a multi-level marketing company, or MLM, for different reasons. Maybe you wanted to help a friend. Maybe you wanted to make some extra money. Or maybe you were tricked and didn’t intend to sign up at all. It’s important to know that not all multi-level marketing companies are bad. But MLM…

Your phone is not as secure as you think. There are lots of ways for hackers, criminals, and even opportunistic amateurs can get access to the information on your phone. And with a technique called SIM swapping, they could even steal your entire phone account – meaning your phone number and all your data is…

Most of us would have thought artificial intelligence was limited to science fiction just a few years ago – but now, AI has become almost mainstream. Businesses of all kinds use artificial intelligence to help analyze patterns, make decisions, and more. With all the new artificial intelligence applications, though, come new challenges and dangers. See…

Many scammers and fraudsters are operating internationally as part of large organized scamming organizations. And they cause a lot of emotional, psychological, and financial damage. We often think of scammers as bad people doing bad things. But to the scammers, that’s not always the case. In Nigerian fraud, for example, being a scammer is a…

Chris Parker, founder of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com, started the Easy Prey Podcast with online fraud prevention in mind. He wanted to help listeners learn to avoid being an easy target for scammers and fraudsters, both online and in the real world. Since episode 1 aired on March 18, 2020, he has interviewed some of the most influential…

Fraud is a global industry. Everything from fake tech support popups to billion-dollar investment scams are all over the internet. And when you take a good look at scammers’ tactics and how online fraud trends have changed over time, you can understand how even seasoned scam experts can fall for it. But there are ways…

A lot of people have said a lot of things about how changing technology, especially in the realm of AI, is changing fraud. But while the tech is changing, a lot of the techniques aren’t. That’s because most fraud doesn’t start with tech. It starts with human emotions. This look at online marketplace fraud reveals…

An online reputation isn’t just for businesses. As individuals, we all have an online presence and reputation as well. And if you’ve ever searched for your name or your business’s name to see what comes up, you’ve seen the results that make up an online reputation. But do you know what to do if something…

Cybersecurity experts see security flaws and safety risks online every day. Since their job is to help people and companies stay safe online, they want to tell people about those flaws and help them avoid or fix them. But what are they supposed to do when no one will believe a particular security risk is…

The holiday season is prime time for phishers, scammers, and cybercriminals. They know you’re ready to buy, and they want to steal your money. Knowing some online shopping safety tips can help you protect yourself and your money. Read on to learn how to protect yourself online and keep your information and money away from…

Organized crime today looks less like back-alley deals and more like an ordinary multinational company. Fraudsters, hackers, and money launderers partner across borders and engineer ever-trickier and more dangerous scams. This organized fraud is clever and hard to trace. But our best defense is surprisingly simple. See Money Laundering with Geoff White for a complete…

Phishing and account breaches have been a problem for years, and it’s not going away. In fact, with the advent of AI, it’s just getting worse. Passwords seem like a logical way to protect our accounts. And while they served our needs in the past, they’re no match for today’s cybercriminal tactics. It’s time for…

Phishing attacks don’t succeed because people are stupid or careless. They succeed because passwords are stealable. That’s a big problem. And in industries like hospitality, a single wrong click can compromise an entire organization. The idea of a world without passwords seems like it would be more dangerous, but passkey technology means it may actually…

No matter who you are or how much money you make, financial literacy is important. Knowing how to manage your money properly can help you prioritize what you love and avoid costly financial mistakes. Whether you feel like you already know what you’re doing financially or you’ve just started the journey to do better with…

When you’re emotionally invested in a potential new pet, it’s easy to fall for scams and fraud. But there are ways to make sure you don’t fall for a pet scam. See Pet Scams with Jack Whittaker for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Jack Whittaker is a doctoral researcher in criminology…

Fraudulent phone calls used to be everywhere. But just because the volume is going down doesn’t mean they’re less dangerous. In fact, today’s phone scams aren’t random – they’re extremely targeted and extremely effective. By learning how they’re built and why they keep working, you can reduce your risk of being a target.  See Stopping Phone Scams with Alex Quilici for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast…

FC Barker runs a cybersecurity and pen testing company, where they try to break into other companies to test how good their security really is. But he doesn’t just use his ethical hacking skills to test their digital security measures. He also tests physical security – breaking into physical locations and using a combination of…

The biggest weakness in your security isn’t necessarily the lock. In fact, it’s often the person standing next to it. The world of physical security testing and “legal break-ins” reveals how easy it is for social engineering and misplaced trust to let a confident attacker past your barriers. And a lot of it has to…

You can do anything on the internet – shop, bank, meet your future spouse, become famous, and more. But there are also very real risks to being online. Luckily, cyber security awareness isn’t just for IT experts and tech nerds. There are simple security measures anyone can do to make being online safer. See Hackers…

Education can help people to be prepared without paranoia, but how do you teach safety without causing fear? There are specific things to be aware of in an extraordinary situation like an active shooter that can fundamentally change the outcome.  Today’s guest is Dr. Kathleen Kiernan. Dr. Kiernan is the founder and CEO of Kiernan…

Can you guess the reason the majority of businesses fail? If you guessed “economic downturn” or “poor business decisions,” those are good guesses – but they’re wrong. The majority of businesses fail because of fraud. And many managers and owners don’t realize the problem until the checks start bouncing. If you don’t have systems to…

There are many factors that influence what we choose to buy or do. Some of them we’re aware of, and some of them are subconscious. But people who understand what influences us can use tactics to manipulate us into making decisions. We might be persuaded in the moment, only to regret our actions later. By…

Companies are collecting our data online all the time. Nobody wants to imagine their information is being collected and that companies are profiting from it – especially once you know how much of your data is really going into these companies’ hands. And worse, without the right context, it can be easy to misinterpret this…

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve rapidly changed the way we work, how we play, and how we’re educated. This sudden shift leaves us and our families exposed to privacy and security risks we previously hadn’t thought about or planned for. Listen up for any blindspots you might have. Our guest today is Rebecca Herold.…

Many people these days are worried about their privacy. And from internet ads that feel like they’re following you to concerns about various governments spying on people, there’s a lot of different things that play into that. Concerns about privacy and surveillance aren’t bad things to have. In fact, as we become more aware of…

Ransomware is a huge cybersecurity threat, and it’s only growing. It’s especially a risk for businesses, but it targets individuals too. One of the biggest dangers of ransomware is that it may end up in your organization not because of anything you did, but because a third-party software you use or a company in your…

As you watch your parents get older, it’s easy to begin to worry about them falling for scams or being taken advantage of financially. After all, older adults are common targets for scams and financial exploitation. If they are showing signs of memory loss or have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s even…

We don’t like to think about our loved ones being vulnerable. But often, our loved ones are more vulnerable than we think. Especially when it comes to scams, the expert manipulation of the criminal or the shame of being a victim can add to the challenge. If you have senior adults in your life, it’s…

A threat lurks in the shadows of every company and organization. That sounds dramatic, but it’s true. And that threat is insider fraud. It comes in various forms and can be difficult to spot or stop if you’re not on the watch for it and don’t have protections in place. And worse, many people don’t…

Keeping yourself and your family safe online is essential, especially in a world of smart home devices where many things are connected to the internet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and put off online security until the worst happens. But there are simple steps that you can take to protect your family online. And you…

Online threats are always evolving. It seems like every day there’s a new kind of cyber-attack to watch out for. Email phishing may not be a new kind of attack, but it’s evolving too. It can leverage the news, the weater, popular trends, upcoming holidays, and hundreds of other topics to trick you. And some…

Imagine you’re booking a vacation. It’s a big trip, like a cruise or a tour. You’ve been saving up for it for a long time, and you found a great deal with a well-established, trusted tour company. But a week after you book your trip, the company goes bankrupt. It’s a nightmare. Do you have…

Online dating has gone mainstream. But finding love over the internet comes with risks. You could be targeted in an online dating scam. See Dating Scams with Joe Eweka for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Joe Eweka has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in criminal justice from John Jay College of…

As the world does more and more online and our kids are ever more connected, protecting kids from predators while they’re online becomes a major concern. Many kids are already addicted to devices, which can make them vulnerable to being preyed upon. The best approach to protecting kids from online predators is two-sided. Legislation to…

Older adults are full of wisdom and experience. But they are also frequent targets for scams, fraud, and deceit. But education and awareness efforts can help in protecting seniors from scams. By having conversations, highlighting common scammer tactics, sharing real-life anecdotes, and providing practical advice, we can all work together to safeguard our older loved…

Negotiation isn’t just for hostage situations or big boardrooms. You can end up exchanging the commodity of your time without even noticing you’re in a negotiation. Chris Voss is here to teach you how to be more aware of these situations and negotiation techniques to negotiate better. See Negotiating with Chris Voss for a complete…

There are a huge variety of scams and predatory practices that target authors and writers. From fake agents to vanity publishers to social media impersonators, the ploys are endless. If you are a writer or author, whether you’re established in your career or still hoping for your first publication, your best defense is to stay…

The world of cyber threats is constantly evolving. Businesses face new and stronger threats every day. Ransomware attacks especially are targeting everyone, and they’re not slowing down. It’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your systems and guard against breaches and threats. See Understanding Ransomware and Defense Strategies with Paul Reid for a complete…

Ransomware is a major threat in the modern internet. And behind every attack is a network of software developers, brokers, and money launderers working together like a criminal tech company to steal data and extort companies. Ransomware protection has never been more important. Tools like layered defense and zero trust architecture can help you prevent…

The unpleasant reality of the modern digital environment means that you can do everything right and still get hit with ransomware. Prevention is important, but it’s just as important to know what to do if and when it happens. This real story of a ransomware attack reveals how these incidents unfold behind the scenes and…

Scams come in many forms, and they may not always look like scams at first glance. Receiving a package you didn’t order may be strange, but it probably doesn’t sound suspicious. After all, no scammer would give you a free gift – right? But just because you didn’t pay for the product that showed up…

Many parents assume that grooming is something that happens to other kids, not theirs. But that assumption means they may miss signs of grooming in their child. They also pass up a valuable opportunity to teach their kids what to watch for. Any child could be targeted by groomers and manipulated into making bad choices…

Many of us love traveling, but safety and security are usually a concern in the back of our minds especially if we are traveling with our family.  So how do we stay safe and secure when we are traveling? J. teaches us what red flags to look for when reserving and staying with Airbnb. With…

Getting a message from a recruiter can seem like a great opportunity. Especially if you’re currently looking for work, it can seem fortunate. But recruiting scams often start out looking legitimate. It’s essential to do your homework, verify sources, and trust your instincts. It can seem frustrating to be so skeptical. But caution can help…

With over ten million cyber-attacks reported daily, we have to be equipped with the knowledge, information, and software to protect ourselves and our families. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus, there was a sudden shift of employees working at home and this has become even more of a problem. Since time wasn’t available for most…

The stereotypical picture most of us have of cybercriminals are young men in dark hoodies staring at laptop screens in their parents’ basements. But that image just isn’t accurate. Cybercrime is a business, and it’s big business. Cybercriminal networks are sophisticated, organized, and ready to take any opportunity to steal money and data. See How…

The media loves to sensationalize romance fraud and scams. Unfortunately, that leads to a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings. Unless we’ve been a victim of one of these scams, many of us believe inaccurate or completely false things about them. And if we become victims, we discover that these misconceptions make finding support incredibly challenging.…

This is a different kind of scam alert. It is a very important piece of advice that almost every guest on the “Easy Prey Podcast” has given: Anyone can get scammed because there is a scam out there for everyone.

Scams today are personal – and much more dangerous than many people realize. Criminals leverage technology to engineer the perfect timing and take advantage of your trust. They’re targeting everyday people, and it’s working. We have to understand that real scam security starts in our homes and communities, and it’s everyone’s responsibility. See The Scam…

Start looking at all text messages you get with a wary eye! If this subject is new to you, good. It means you haven’t been tricked yet by a scammer through a text message you’ve received on your phone.  But here’s a guarantee. Scam texts are heading your way. We live on our phones and…

Cybercrime is rapidly evolving. From ransomware to phishing, criminals are leveraging AI and treating their operations like businesses. Defenders and security pros work hard to adapt. But it’s an arms race. Attackers keep intensifying their attacks. And latest scam trends show how easy it is for anyone, even professionals, to get caught. See The Global…

People are falling for scams and fraud every day. For most of these victims, it’s not just a financial loss – it can be emotionally and psychologically devastating. And often, the scam victim support they receive is limited, if they receive any at all. But there is help and support available to help victims navigate…

Some scammers thrive off the challenge of deceiving you. Others just view it as a way to make money. Still others are trafficked and forced to scam. But whatever their motivations, scammer techniques all come out of the same playbook. They want you to get emotional as fast as possible. It doesn’t matter if that…

You’ve probably heard that all kinds of cybercrime are on the rise. Scams and phishing are everywhere, new fraud cases pop up every day, and reported losses are in the billions – not counting all the losses that aren’t reported. And with AI tools that can write perfectly and imitate voices and even faces on…

Most security failures aren’t actually tech issues. They’re because of human behavior. Everyday habits and small, seemingly-insignificant moments of trust can lead to serious issues and breaches. Strategies experts use for security testing reveal many of these weaknesses. But they also reveal what can make people, places, and systems safer. See Exploiting Trust (Part 1)…

Crimes of opportunity, like the name suggests, are crimes that happen because the perpetrator saw an opportunity. They can vary in nature and commonness, but like all crimes, they evolve with the times. Today’s top crime of opportunity is one that wasn’t terribly common even six years ago. But because these crimes happen because someone…

Many of us had a time when we were interested in magic tricks, or have seen a really good magic trick performed. But an understanding of magic, misdirection, and the psychology behind the tricks can provide more skills than just pulling rabbits out of hats. Learning the underlying principles behind psychics, mentalism, and magic tricks…

What if we told you that a lot of social media success was actually built on deception? From fake social media followers and “follower factories” to algorithm manipulation and persuasive technology, social media is designed to hijack our attention and get our views and clicks, no matter the cost to us. If you’ve ever questioned…

Scamming is a multi-billion-dollar industry. And scammers are creative and always coming up with new techniques. This week is National Consumer Protection Week, which uses education and awareness to stop scams. But Slam the Scam Day, one particular day of National Consumer Protection Week, focuses specifically on government impostor scams and similar social security scams.…

With new government regulations making it harder for scammers to make spam calls, they have turned to a new medium. Spam text messages are on the rise – and they carry new risks that spam calls don’t. Learn why scammers are moving from calls to texts and what you can do to protect yourself. See…

Not all lies are scams, but everyone lies, even if it’s only about someone’s birthday gift. Liars give out both verbal and nonverbal cues, but how do you know what they are? Listen to this episode to learn how to spot a lie. Today’s guest is Pamela Meyer. Pamela is certified fraud examiner, international speaker,…

Maybe you’re wondering what kind of questions your bank will never ask you. That’s a great thing to know, because it will also be part of the awareness that will help you avoid falling for a scam and losing money.

Online dating can provide great opportunities to meet new romantic partners. However, it’s also a favorite tool of scammers. Romance scams, including specific types like military romance scams and pig butchering are rampant. Learning how to verify a person is real now can save you from heartbreak and financial loss down the road. See How…

Modern communication is lightning-fast, and the internet is available all the time. Misinformation and disinformation spreads quickly, and it’s easy for even smart and aware people to be caught by it. But there is a way to keep misinformation from tricking you. By understanding disinformation and misinformation techniques, you can “inoculate” yourself against false and…

Many of us have used the term “narcissist” or “narcissistic” to describe someone who’s irritatingly proud or full of themselves. But narcissism isn’t just being stuck up. It’s a specific combination of traits and behaviors, and unless you’ve dealt with one yourself, you probably don’t realize how destructive they can be. Narcissistic people can do…

Technology is advancing rapidly. It seems like every day something that used to be the purview of science fiction becomes a reality. But scammers are taking advantage of this to make tech scams look like legitimate products. Learn how to identify tech scams to avoid spending money on a useless product. See How to Avoid…

If you’ve ever had the feeling that someone is eavesdropping on your calls, reading your messages or emails, and even knows where you’ve been going, you just might be right. Abusers often utilize stalkerware to control and manipulate their targets. Being educated on what it is, how it got there, how to clean it off…

Even the smartest person you know could be the victim of a scam if the circumstances are right. We become easy prey for scams when something causes us to let our guard down.

Traveling internationally can be an incredible experience or a long-lasting nightmare. Asher Fergusson has tips to keep your trip on the incredible side of the scale. See How to Travel Safely with Asher Fergusson for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey podcast episode. Asher grew up in Sydney, Australia. He received a scholarship to…

Have you ever been the victim of an email scam? Business Email Compromise is a type of scam where scammers focus on businesses that conduct wire transfers and work with suppliers abroad. There are many things businesses and consumers can be on the lookout for to avoid falling into these email traps.  Learn how to…

Scams and fraud are everywhere, and the problem keeps getting worse. Scammers keep coming up with new and innovative ways to steal from people. But fraud fighters are also coming up with new and innovative techniques for stopping scams and empowering people to protect themselves. Blogs, books, and even TV shows are tracking scammers, fighting…

Everybody knows the experience of looking at your ringing phone to see a caller ID that reads “scam likely,” or answering a call and finding a recorded voice on the other line. Robocalls are everywhere these days, and it seems like they’re only getting more frequent. If you’ve ever looked for an answer to the…

Supply chain risks mean that if one of your partners or their partners was breached, it could affect you.

Scammers and fraudsters know that the more vulnerable you are, the more likely you are to get caught in a scam. What makes that scary is that we and our loved ones are all vulnerable at some point. And the worst part: Fraud victims are much more likely to be victims of more scams and…

The world of technology is changing rapidly, and the COVID-19 pandemic rushed the use of remote work, remote school, telehealth, and other technologies. With these new tools and devices come new risks and dangers. It’s essential to know what risks are out there so you can take charge of your personal cybersecurity. See Former FBI…

Everyone on the internet is exposed to some degree of risk. One of those risks is of a data breach or leak. Every time you create a new account or set up a new app, you create a new place where your data can be hacked or breached. That’s why taking steps for better data…

Most of us view the internet as a useful and benign tool. But in many ways, it’s more like walking down a dark alley. Knowing how to reduce the cost of cyberattacks is important for anyone who uses the internet today. See Minimizing Damage from Cyberattacks with Stuart Madnick for a complete transcript of the…

Many businesses rely on software made by other companies to function. But as the CrowdStrike outage this summer showed, if something happens to those critical software programs, your business could be in huge trouble. And if that issue requires hands-on solutions, it can cause even more delays. It’s essential to make sure your business is…

Pig butchering and other scams that result in financial loss are often dismissed as “just” a financial crime. But they’re so much more than that. The emotional impact of being scammed is huge. Scammers aren’t just manipulating people and taking their money. They’re draining their finances, stealing financial security, and leaving people feeling violated and…

When it comes to the world of cybersecurity and cyber crime, it can be difficult to quantify anything. Protecting data and network infrastructure is a constant effort. When a cybersecurity expert is doing their job, nothing will happen, so it’s hard to recognize success. And since there is so little reporting done, it can be…

Most of us set passwords for our online accounts hoping to ensure our privacy and security. Those of us who are more concerned about security may sacrifice convenience believing it makes us even more secure. But as technology changes, passwords are not the complete security solution we think they are. Other digital identification methods may…

Fear can cause people to hoard. Blockchain would allow transparency that could alleviate those fears. Understanding the trivergance of AI, IoT, and Blockchain can transform your thinking even for those resistant to change.  Today’s guest is Don Tapscott. Don is one of the world’s leading authorities on the impact of technology on business and society…

When most people think of cybersecurity, they think of trying to protect digital assets from cybercriminals and hackers. And that’s often accurate. But just because hackers are often the enemy doesn’t mean hacking is always a bad thing. Ethical hacking does exist. And even outside of the hacking itself, the hacker mindset can helpful to…

We can all agree that privacy is a good thing. But how much privacy do we really need? And the even more important question – what are we willing to sacrifice for that privacy? Because privacy protection comes with costs and trade-offs. And the more privacy we want, the more costs we’ll have to pay.…

Humans have always wanted to know what the future has in store. And with AI and machine learning exploding recently, algorithmic prediction has never been easier. But making these predictions doesn’t just forecast the future – it shapes it. As algorithms continue to play bigger roles in decisions, the line between prediction and influence keeps…

These days, the biggest security problems and breaches don’t start with the code or the technology. They start with people. Criminals exploit the human element of cyber security to get access and do their damage. But when the stakes are high, that same human element is crucial to protect people from those who want to…

If you’re not aware of and addressing blind spots in your cybersecurity, you can’t prevent or mitigate the damage from a cyber attack. A large part of creating a cyber defense strategy is being aware of the risks. See Risk Review Helps Discover Weaknesses with Ralph Russo for a complete transcript of the Easy Prey…

When seconds count and freezing isn’t an option and lives are at stake, how do you prepare to know what to do? Even our bodies have natural reactions. But what can you do to stay calm, level your breathing, and be alert? Today’s guest is Robert Montgomery. Robert was an operations officer in the CIA…

Many people enjoy playing games online. It can be a good way to spend time with friends who aren’t nearby, to blow off steam, or to relax and have some fun. And many parents realize that there are worse things their kids could be doing. But not as many people are aware of the risks…

We don’t get scammed because we’re careless, stupid, or gullible. We get scammed because our brains are wired to trust by default. When scammers add in elements like urgency, strong emotions, or appeals to authority, our brains naturally rationalize even the most obvious red flags. Knowing how the psychology of trust works and how the…

Most of us have heard of identity theft. A criminal gets your information and uses it to access your accounts, your credit, and your money. It can be devastating to an individual. But because we know about this crime, there are processes in place to deal with it. It’s hard to recover, but not impossible.…

When you find a scam website – or worse, fall for a scam – you’re not thinking about the people behind it. But the people who build scam sites and the companies that enable scammers are all part of a larger scam economy. In order to combat scam websites, we need an understanding of the…

Ben Taylor is a scambaiter. He makes videos about scams – how they work, what to watch out for, and the people behind them. He has engaged personally with multiple people working on call center scams, and he knows what happens behind the scenes. See Call Center Scams with Ben Taylor for the full transcript…

Scammers aren’t lone actors looking for an easy payday. Most scams are organized criminal enterprises spanning the globe, with a scale and sophistication few people are prepared for. Scams in the US are, at this point, attacks by organized crime on American citizens. We need to do more to stop them. See America’s Scam Crisis…

One small mistake can become a huge problem. In this case, one woman’s moment of forgetfulness turned into an ordeal that invaded every aspect of her life. This identity theft story illustrates how the crime can affect so much more than a bank account or credit score, highlights some of the hidden consequences of someone…

Not all elder financial abuse stories start with a scam, or even an obvious problem. A friendly face and small decisions can spiral into something much more sinister. And if you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to overlook the warning signs and let a predator take everything from vulnerable people. See Elder…

As technology has changed from postal mail to phone to fax to email, scammers’ tools have changed, too. And the recent rise of sophisticated AI apps that anyone can use has made their job even easier. Romance scams especially have taken advantage of this technology. And that means that the old ways of spotting scammers…

If you run a small or medium-sized business, you know how important it is to protect your business and its reputation. But if you have a website for your business, scammers see opportunities. There are many business scams that can lose you money and cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Learning what to watch…

Not all social media influencers are equal. Just because someone has a ton of followers doesn’t mean they actually have any influence on their audience. It’s important that we learn to be critical thinkers that do research and not just believe what we hear and read. Whether you’re a business looking to use an influencer…

Our body can give clues to what we are thinking or feeling and can reveal what we’re saying is the truth or deception. How can we use that fact to detect when others are being deceptive? Today’s guest is Traci Brown. Time magazine has named Traci as one of the nation’s top deception detection experts. She’s trained…

Many of us have seen James Veitch’s comedic YouTube videos of him interacting with email scammers.  Today’s guest shares how he helps real-world victims of those scams and he has participated in taking down criminal enterprises.  Wayne May is the owner of scamsurvivors.com. He began as a scam baiter in 2005 before concentrating and helping the…

The FBI is hunting the long haul trucker serial killers behind at least 850 murders along America’s highways. Sound like an episode of your favorite crime drama? It’s real, and it’s happening right now. These serial killers are out there, mostly targeting female sex trafficking victims. And the FBI is trying to track their behavior…

It’s never a good idea to blindly trust and deception can hide between even the most accomplished facades. Remarkable achievements and professional demeanors can conceal addition and criminal behavior. While events in our lives are unlikely to look exactly like Jonathan Schwartz’s celebrity-studded story, the lessons remain. See Gambling, Lies, and Millions Stolen from Celebrities…

You’ve probably heard the term “gaslighting” before. It’s becoming more and more widely known as people better understand how it works and the devastating psychological impact. It’s important to know how to identify this unhealthy relationship pattern so you can keep yourself safe. See Gaslighting with Dr. Deborah Vinall for a complete transcript of the…

Conspiracy theories are all crazy, right? Well, maybe not. There’s some history as to why so many people believe in them. What we really need is a conspiracy theory detection kit and that’s what we have in today’s episode. Our guest today is Dr. Michael Shermer. Dr. Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine,…

With the 2020 elections right around the corner, do you know who is trying to influence you and how they’re doing it? Listen on to learn about the ins and outs of disinformation, misinformation, interference, and influence.  Morgan Wright is an internationally recognized expert on cybersecurity strategy, cyberterrorism, and advanced technology. His landmark testimony before…

I have always been curious as to why so many people fall for scams. What are some of the consistent elements that scammers use to hook us? In this episode, we find out. We talk about the different psychological tactics scammers use to successfully scam their victims.  Our guest for this episode is Dr. Stacey…